xotatiannaxo
Chillin' with the herd
Why cant you just cut off the head? or slit the throat? I dont process the meat rabbits, so im not sure how that even works. just wondering why you cant.
Is it this hard for EVERYONE?
- Thread starter Genipher
- Start date
DKRabbitry
Ridin' The Range
Oh that is horrible Genipher! I had an experience very similar to that... I will only shoot them now. My DH does the broomstick thing, and it works well for him, I just don't trust myself to have enough force to pull up. When I tried it I stepped on the bar and pulled up, but didn't pull hard enough and I just crushed the throat. I felt horrible and was glad I had the gun there to finish it quickly. I have grown up with firearms, and am very comfortable with them and know where to place my shot and in a safe direction. I use a .22 because that is what I have. I know a lot of people frown on that method, but it works for me and the rabbit is dead instantly. I would like to invest in a Rabbit Wringer tho... one of these days.....
Beekissed
Herd Master
I did...and, yes, it gets easier. I think of all the animals I've ever killed and that has numbered into the hundreds by now, rabbits were by far the hardest. There is just something about all that clean, white fur and the stuffed animal shape of the rabbit that kills the little girl in me. I don't know why that is.
CCourson05
Ridin' The Range
It's because they are adorable. I have to reason with myself when I do it. After a while, it becomes numb. Sad to say, but it's true.
I tried a club, a hammer...but never fails they go a give you that look and then shucks I don't swing hard enough! What works the best now I put them on the ground and straddle them so they can't run, then use a pellet gun - back of the head angled just right. Pretty instant. The last one made it very easy, nasty personality, nipped my neck
Citylife
Loving the herd life
I stick with rabbits that all look alike and have pink eyes. To me....... they are only really really cute for about 4 or 5 days and then they are eating machines that soon need to, not be. When in a grow out pen you can not distiquish who is who unless you spend TO much time out there. These are meat rabbits......CCourson05 said:
And when I have to cull out an adult..... we hang out chatting for a few to keep us both calm so it is easier on both of us. I do have to admit...... there are some meats that go to waste at my house. Rabbit is rarely one of them.
- Thread starter
- #19
Genipher
True BYH Addict
Hmmm. I don't have a gun. Maybe someday...
Totalcolour: Would you be able to share the steps in tanning rabbit furs? I have one in the freezer and I will eventually have more to work with, but I haven't been able to track down any good directions on how to tan them.
Totalcolour: Would you be able to share the steps in tanning rabbit furs? I have one in the freezer and I will eventually have more to work with, but I haven't been able to track down any good directions on how to tan them.
lastfling
Loving the herd life
There is a wealth of information on tanning at www.taxidermy.net -- basically, the steps are salt hide, remove membrane, meat, etc; resalt, pickle, then tan. This would not yield a garment soft pelt, but as thin skinned as rabbits are it should not be that hard to soften the hide. Just a little elbow grease. There are several different methods of tanning and there are kits available. I've always used Safety Acid for the pickle, and a brush on tan. Read up and choose the method you're most comfortable with.Genipher said:
